Saeed: First phase of Free Trade Agreement completed

Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed has said that all work related to the first phase of the Free Trade Agreement between Maldives and China have been completed.

Speaking at a press conference at Velaanaage today, Saeed said that the preliminary study had been completed by both governments and the work being done now, was related to the feasibility study.

Saeed said that work related to the second phase will continue in Beijing next month, which will include discussions between Maldivian and Chinese teams, followed by the signing of the agreement.

He said that the aim, as mentioned prior to the commencement of the efforts, was to sign the agreement before the end of the year.

The agreement will make trade between the two countries easier and increase Chinese investment in the Maldives, said Saeed.